Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highligted when they are visible.

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair of our Residency Program at Taft, for a unique look at the property from a creative perspective. Jones will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to meet the artists-in-residence and see what they are working on. She will offer an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and insight into how the space inspires regional artists. This walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

Join us for a unique nature education experience as we explore the trails of the Nature Preserve, only accessible through guided tours! With Lanny Kaufer leading the way, we'll identify native plants, observe birds, and examine animal tracks within our local ecology. Lanny's mission is to help people connect with the natural world, starting with plants. As the author of "Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants," he has been leading herb walks, nature hikes, and workshops in Southern California since 1976. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert and deepen your understanding of nature. Grab your tickets now and join us for an insightful journey through our local ecosystem!

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair of our Residency Program at Taft, for a unique look at the property from a creative perspective. Jones will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to meet the artists-in-residence and see what they are working on. She will offer an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and insight into how the space inspires regional artists. This walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highligted when they are visible.

Winter is a season for rest and quiet beginnings. In this writing workshop, we invite you to create small seeds of intention for the year ahead, allowing them to rest, root, and grow when the time is right. We will begin with a silent walking meditation to connect with yourself and the garden before moving into writing. Through guided prompts and mindful writing, each person will reflect on what has been cultivated and outgrown in the past year and what they would like to plant and nurture in the coming year ahead.

This workshop will be guided by Katrina Espiritu, who spent years leading goal-setting sessions with executives and designers in the corporate world. With this workshop, she hopes to offer a more creative and meditative writing session, rooted in intention and mindful action.

The experience will close with a tea ceremony offering space to reflect, share, and be present in community. All levels welcome. No previous writing experience necessary. Please bring a journal and something to write with. Light snacks will be provided.

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair of our Residency Program at Taft, for a unique look at the property from a creative perspective. Jones will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to meet the artists-in-residence and see what they are working on. She will offer an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and insight into how the space inspires regional artists. This walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highligted when they are visible.

The importance of our relationship to land, plants, and place is rooted in ancestral Indigenous Knowledge all over the world. Experience an integrative mindfulness practice that honors this ancestral wisdom. You will be given directions, in the form of an invitation, to assist you in slowing down, relaxing, and observing with all of your senses. It is a kind of nervous system reset that has the potential to remind us of the Interconnection of All Things and our relationship to the Earth.  You may begin to notice things in a way that you may never have noticed them before. Experience the holistic health benefits of Forest Bathing such as enhanced immunity, lowered blood pressure, lowered cortisol concentrations, increased focus, enhanced creativity, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system to support your body in engaging its own restorative processes. You are the medicine. Tu eres la medicina. The event ends with a sharing of tea and some healthy snacks.

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highligted when they are visible.

Join us for a unique nature education experience as we explore the trails of the Nature Preserve, only accessible through guided tours! With Lanny Kaufer leading the way, we'll identify native plants, observe birds, and examine animal tracks within our local ecology. Lanny's mission is to help people connect with the natural world, starting with plants. As the author of "Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants," he has been leading herb walks, nature hikes, and workshops in Southern California since 1976. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert and deepen your understanding of nature. Grab your tickets now and join us for an insightful journey through our local ecosystem!

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair of our Residency Program at Taft, for a unique look at the property from a creative perspective. Jones will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to meet the artists-in-residence and see what they are working on. She will offer an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and insight into how the space inspires regional artists. This walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

Join Katrina Espiritu for a grounding meditative watercolor exploration. This focused experience invites you to let go of external pressures and anchor your presence in the movement of water and pigment, allowing you to discover intrinsic connection through creative expression.

We will begin with a guided walking meditation, leading into a reflective painting session beneath the canopy of the oak trees in the Australian garden. Katrina’s mission is to create space where nature and creativity invite us back into stillness, connection, and a deeper sense of being.

The experience will close with a tea ceremony offering space to reflect and be present in community.

All levels welcome. No previous experience is necessary. Light snacks will be provided.

Watercolor, brushes, paper, and palette will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own watercolor set.

The importance of our relationship to land, plants, and place is rooted in ancestral Indigenous Knowledge all over the world. Experience an integrative mindfulness practice that honors this ancestral wisdom. You will be given directions, in the form of an invitation, to assist you in slowing down, relaxing, and observing with all of your senses. It is a kind of nervous system reset that has the potential to remind us of the Interconnection of All Things and our relationship to the Earth.  You may begin to notice things in a way that you may never have noticed them before. Experience the holistic health benefits of Forest Bathing such as enhanced immunity, lowered blood pressure, lowered cortisol concentrations, increased focus, enhanced creativity, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system to support your body in engaging its own restorative processes. You are the medicine. Tu eres la medicina. The event ends with a sharing of tea and some healthy snacks.

Lead by local avian biologist, Peter Larramendy. Participants will learn the basics of birding, such as common birds of the Ojai Valley, diagnostic field marks, important habitat types of the Ojai Valley and those around Taft Gardens, and much more! Peter has over ten years of professional experience working in avian studies around southern California. Whether you're new to birding or a seasoned enthusiast, our event will deepen your connection to nature and enhance your understanding of bird conservation. Join us for an informative and enjoyable adventure through Taft Gardens as we explore the diverse avian life that calls it home. Don't miss this chance to learn and appreciate the fascinating world of birds! 

This event will take place in the botanical section of Taft Gardens. 

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highligted when they are visible.

Lead by local avian biologist, Peter Larramendy. Participants will learn the basics of birding, such as common birds of the Ojai Valley, diagnostic field marks, important habitat types of the Ojai Valley and those around Taft Gardens, and much more! Peter has over ten years of professional experience working in avian studies around southern California. Whether you're new to birding or a seasoned enthusiast, our event will deepen your connection to nature and enhance your understanding of bird conservation. Join us for an informative and enjoyable adventure through Taft Gardens as we explore the diverse avian life that calls it home. Don't miss this chance to learn and appreciate the fascinating world of birds! 

This event will take place in the Taft Nature Preserve. 

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair of our Residency Program at Taft, for a unique look at the property from a creative perspective. Jones will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to meet the artists-in-residence and see what they are working on. She will offer an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and insight into how the space inspires regional artists. This walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

The importance of our relationship to land, plants, and place is rooted in ancestral Indigenous Knowledge all over the world. Experience an integrative mindfulness practice that honors this ancestral wisdom. You will be given directions, in the form of an invitation, to assist you in slowing down, relaxing, and observing with all of your senses. It is a kind of nervous system reset that has the potential to remind us of the Interconnection of All Things and our relationship to the Earth.  You may begin to notice things in a way that you may never have noticed them before. Experience the holistic health benefits of Forest Bathing such as enhanced immunity, lowered blood pressure, lowered cortisol concentrations, increased focus, enhanced creativity, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system to support your body in engaging its own restorative processes. You are the medicine. Tu eres la medicina. The event ends with a sharing of tea and some healthy snacks.

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highlighted when they are visible.

"Walkabout" is a term rooted in traditional Australian culture, serving as a journey of self-discovery and a transition into adulthood., often undertaken during intervals between modern societal obligations. This is the essence of what Lanny Kaufer has orchestrated for you in observance of the Equinox. Commencing in the Australian section of Taft Gardens and ascending into the Nature Preserve towards a vista point adorned with a four-directions stone circle, you will embark on a three-hour respite from contemporary existence to embrace nature, bask in the sunlight, and reconnect with the timeless wisdom of our forebears.

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highlighted when they are visible.

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highlighted when they are visible.

Join us for a unique nature education experience as we explore the trails of the Nature Preserve, only accessible through guided tours! With Lanny Kaufer leading the way, we'll identify native plants, observe birds, and examine animal tracks within our local ecology. Lanny's mission is to help people connect with the natural world, starting with plants. As the author of "Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants," he has been leading herb walks, nature hikes, and workshops in Southern California since 1976. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert and deepen your understanding of nature. Grab your tickets now and join us for an insightful journey through our local ecosystem!

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highlighted when they are visible.

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair at Taft Gardens, along with our current 9-month Artist-in-Residence, Eliot Spaulding, for a unique look at the property from the perspective of two artists. The duo will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the Historic Art Studio to see Eliot's exhibition and the grand-scale project she accomplished during her time with us. Guests will also hear an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and gain insight into how the space inspires regional artists.

Eliot Spaulding is a Santa Barbara-based multidisciplinary artist, gleaner, and true naturalist, much like our founder, John Taft. She finds deep inspiration in the ocean and mountain landscapes, collecting cast-off natural materials and human debris. Her work is a reflection of place, highlighting the impact of human participation in our vulnerable ecosystems.

The tour will also include a visit to the Protea studio to see the work of fellow artist-in-residence and Designer Louise Sandhaus.

This 2-hour walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

Tree impression by Eliot Spaulding.

Join Sacred Sisters, Emily and Polly Carey for an adventure through the magical Taft Gardens. Together we’ll take a journey through the gardens stopping for mindful and inspiring activities along the way. We’ll tap into the present using tools like meditation, movement, inquiry and play. We’ll end our journey with a restorative yoga class in the garden’s outdoor amphitheater. 

Give yourself the gift of slowing down, being in nature and connecting with your true self and others. We can’t wait to see you in the garden!

Perched above the Gardens, our Vista Point is the perfect locale for nighttime sky observation. As dusk falls, guests will be invited to enjoy the view while astronomy enthusiasts Russell and Laura  offer a short background on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing. They will describe the celestial objects as guests view them through an array of telescopes. 

Depending on the time of year, attendees will observe deep-sky objects, globular clusters, galactic star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other celestial wonders. Major planets will also be highligted when they are visible.

Join us for a unique nature education experience as we explore the trails of the Nature Preserve, only accessible through guided tours! With Lanny Kaufer leading the way, we'll identify native plants, observe birds, and examine animal tracks within our local ecology. Lanny's mission is to help people connect with the natural world, starting with plants. As the author of "Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants," he has been leading herb walks, nature hikes, and workshops in Southern California since 1976. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert and deepen your understanding of nature. Grab your tickets now and join us for an insightful journey through our local ecosystem!

Join Cassandra C. Jones, Artist, and Arts Chair at Taft Gardens, along with our 1-month Artist-in-Residence, Louise Sandhaus, for a unique look at the property from an art and design perspective. Jones and Sandhaus will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to see all the final exhibitions for the 2024/25 Art in Nature Residency season. Guests will also hear an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and gain insight into how the space inspires regional artists.

This tour will highlight the work and exhibition of Louise Sandhaus, an award-winning graphic designer, author, professor at the California Institute of the Arts, and principal of Louise Sandhaus Design.

This tour will highlight the work and exhibition of Louise Sandhaus, an award-winning graphic designer, author, professor at the California Institute of the Arts, and principal of Louise Sandhaus Design.

But it will also include a walk through of the exhibitions in the Studio Garden by:

Eliot Spaulding, Multidisciplinary Artist from Santa Barbara

Stephanie Hubbard, Landscape Architect and Multidisciplinary Artist from Ojai

Megan Koth, Painter and Printmaker from Santa Barbara

Annette Heully, Multidisciplinary Artist from Ojai

Ben Grace, Sculptor and Experience Designer from Ojai

This 2-hour walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history.

Graphic art by Louise Sandhaus